U.S. patent application number 13/956351 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-12 for systems and methods for constructing a building structure.
The applicant listed for this patent is John A. Schold. Invention is credited to John A. Schold.
Application Number | 20130326993 13/956351 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49714200 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130326993 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schold; John A. |
December 12, 2013 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONSTRUCTING A BUILDING STRUCTURE
Abstract
A post-and-beam type structure includes: a connector having four
plate portions forming a cruciform cross-section for the connector,
the cruciform cross-section extending in a vertical direction,
wherein the four plate portions define four quadrants; a first
column configured for detachably coupling to a bottom portion of
the connector; and a first beam with a first end configured for
detachably coupling to a first one of the plate portions; wherein
the first beam comprises a first beam member and a second beam
member that are coupled to each other, and wherein the first end of
the first beam is configured for placement in a first quadrant of
the four quadrants.
Inventors: |
Schold; John A.; (Penngrove,
CA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schold; John A. |
Penngrove |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49714200 |
Appl. No.: |
13/956351 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13049831 |
Mar 16, 2011 |
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13956351 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/655.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/26 20130101; E04B
2001/2644 20130101; E04B 2001/2652 20130101; E04B 1/185 20130101;
E04C 3/11 20130101; E04B 1/19 20130101; Y10T 403/44 20150115; E04B
2001/2648 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/655.1 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/18 20060101
E04B001/18 |
Claims
1. A beam assembly for use in a post-and-beam type structure,
wherein the post-and-beam type structure includes a connector
having four plate portions forming a cruciform cross-section for
the connector, the cruciform cross-section extending in a vertical
direction, at least one of the four plate portions configured for
coupling to a beam formed by the beam assembly, the beam assembly
comprising: a first beam member with a first end and a second end
that is opposite from the first end; and a second beam member with
a third end and a fourth end that is opposite from the third end;
wherein the first beam member and the second beam member is
coupleable to each other along their lengths so as to be
longitudinally offset with respect to each other; wherein when the
first beam member and the second beam member is coupled to each
other, the first end of the first beam member is offset relative to
the third end of the second beam member by an offset amount, the
first end of the first beam member being configured for placement
in one of four quadrants defined by two of the four plate portions
of the connector; and wherein the first end of the first beam
member has a first hole configured for receiving a fastener to
non-destructively couple the first end of the first beam member to
the connector.
2. The beam assembly of claim 1, further comprising a first metal
plate at the first end of the first beam member, wherein a part of
the first metal plate is located between a part of the first beam
member and a part of the second beam member.
3. The beam assembly of claim 2, wherein the first metal plate is
configured to carry vertical load and to provide moment
resistance.
4. The beam assembly of claim 2, wherein the first metal plate
comprises at least two openings that are aligned with at least two
openings at the first beam member.
5. The beam assembly of claim 2, further comprising a second metal
plate at the fourth end of the second beam member, wherein a part
of the second metal plate is located between a part of the first
beam member and a part of the second beam member.
6. The beam assembly of claim 5, wherein the first metal plate and
the second metal plate lie in different respective planes.
7. The beam assembly of claim 5, wherein the first metal plate has
one end that extends past the third end of the second beam member
so that the one end of the first metal plate is unconfined by the
third end of the second beam member; and the second metal plate has
one end that extends past the second end of the first beam member
so that the one end of the second metal plate is unconfined by the
second end of the first beam member.
8. The beam assembly of claim 1, wherein the first beam member and
the second beam member is non-destructively coupleable to each
other.
9. The beam assembly of claim 1, wherein the first end of the first
beam member has a first side for facing a first one of the plate
portions, and a second side for facing a second one of the plate
portions.
10. The beam assembly of claim 9, wherein the first side and the
second side are perpendicular to each other.
11. The beam assembly of claim 1, wherein the first beam member
directly abuts against the second beam member when the first beam
member and the second beam member are coupled to each other.
12. The beam assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one
spacer plate for spacing the first beam member and the second beam
member a selected distance apart when the first beam member and the
second beam member are coupled to each other.
13. The beam assembly of claim 1, wherein the first hole has a
longitudinal axis that forms an acute angle relative to a
longitudinal axis of the beam formed by the beam assembly.
14. The beam assembly of claim 13, wherein the first end of the
first beam member has a second hole with a longitudinal axis that
is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first hole, the
second hole configured for receiving a portion of another
fastener.
15. The beam assembly of claim 1, wherein the offset amount is
longer than a horizontal length of one of the plate portions.
16. The beam assembly of claim 1, wherein a horizontal width of the
first end of the first beam member is longer than a horizontal
length of one of the plate portions.
17. The beam assembly of claim 1, wherein the first end of the
first beam member is configured to conceal two surfaces of the
connector when the beam formed by the first beam member and the
second member is coupled to the connector.
18. The beam assembly of claim 1, wherein the first beam member and
the second member are configured for installation and removal
separately in situ.
19. A post-and-beam type structure comprising: a connector having
four plate portions forming a cruciform cross-section for the
connector, the cruciform cross-section extending in a vertical
direction, wherein the four plate portions define four quadrants; a
first column configured for detachably coupling to a bottom portion
of the connector; and a first beam with a first end configured for
detachably coupling to a first one of the plate portions; wherein
the first beam comprises a first beam member and a second beam
member that are coupled to each other, and wherein the first end of
the first beam is configured for placement in a first quadrant of
the four quadrants.
20. The structure of claim 19, wherein the first beam member has a
first end and a second end that is opposite from the first end, and
the second beam member has a third end and a fourth end that is
opposite from the third end; and wherein the first beam further
comprises a first metal plate at the first end of the first beam
member, wherein a part of the first metal plate is located between
a part of the first beam member and a part of the second beam
member.
21. The structure of claim 20, wherein the first metal plate is
configured to carry vertical load and to provide moment
resistance.
22. The structure of claim 20, wherein the first metal plate
comprises at least two openings that are aligned with at least two
openings at the first beam member.
23. The structure of claim 20, further comprising a second metal
plate at the fourth end of the second beam member, wherein a part
of the second metal plate is located between a part of the first
beam member and a part of the second beam member.
24. The structure of claim 23, wherein the first metal plate and
the second metal plate lie in different respective planes.
25. The structure of claim 23, wherein the first metal plate has
one end that extends past the third end of the second beam member
so that the one end of the first metal plate is unconfined by the
third end of the second beam member; and the second metal plate has
one end that extends past the second end of the first beam member
so that the one end of the second metal plate is unconfined by the
second end of the first beam member.
26. The structure of claim 19, further comprising a second beam
with a second end configured for detachably coupling to a second
one of the plate portions, the second end of the second beam
configured for placement in a second quadrant of the four
quadrants.
27. The structure of claim 26, further comprising a third beam with
a third end configured for detachably coupling to a third one of
the plate portions, the third end of the third beam configured for
placement in a third quadrant of the four quadrants.
28. The structure of claim 27, further comprising a fourth beam
with a fourth end configured for detachably coupling to a fourth
one of the plate portions, the fourth end of the fourth beam
configured for placement in a fourth quadrant of the four
quadrants.
29. The structure of claim 28, wherein the four plate portions
provide eight planar surfaces, and when the first end of the first
beam, the second end of the second beam, the third end of the third
beam, and the fourth end of the fourth beam are coupled to the
connector, the eight planar surfaces are concealed by the first end
of the first beam, the second end of the second beam, the third end
of the third beam, and the fourth end of the fourth beam.
30. The structure of claim 19, further comprising a second column
configured for detachably coupling to a top portion of the
connector.
31. The structure of claim 19, wherein the first end of the first
beam has a hole for receiving a fastener, the hole having a
longitudinal axis forming an acute angle relative to a longitudinal
axis of the first beam.
32. The structure of claim 19, wherein the first one of the plate
portions has a first opening for receiving a first fastener for
coupling the first end of the first beam to the first one of the
plate portions, the first opening having an opening axis forming an
acute angle relative to a surface of the first one of the plate
portions, and wherein the first one of the plate portions has a
second opening for receiving a second fastener for coupling the
first column to the connector, the second opening having an opening
axis forming a perpendicular angle relative to the surface of the
first one of the plate portions.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/049,831, filed on Mar. 16, 2011, pending,
the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by
reference herein.
FIELD
[0002] This application relates generally to building systems.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Construction of a building structure generally involves a
lengthy and complicated process, and requires multiple
professionals in different fields to get involved. In existing
process, an architect would design the building. Then the architect
would provide the architectural plan to engineers (e.g., civil
engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, etc.) to
design the various components of the building. When a set of
construction plans from the various professionals is completed, the
plans are then provided to construction contractors, who then
construct the building according to the construction plan.
Applicant of the subject application determines that such process
may be inefficient and not cost effective.
[0004] Also, before or during the construction of the building, if
an owner of the building wishes to change the configuration of the
building, the above process may need to be repeated, thereby
involving multiple professionals, and causing a significant delay
in the process.
[0005] In addition, after the building is constructed, if the owner
wishes to change the configuration of the building, the above
process may also need to be repeated, which may also be costly and
inefficient. Also, changing the configuration of the building after
it is constructed may require removal of some building components
in a destructive manner. Thus, the removed components are not and
cannot be re-used for later construction. Applicant of the subject
application determines that it may be desirable to have a building
system that would allow components of a building structure to be
selectively removed in a non-destructive manner so that the
components may be re-used if desired.
SUMMARY
[0006] A beam assembly for use in a post-and-beam type structure,
wherein the post-and-beam type structure includes a connector
having four plate portions forming a cruciform cross-section for
the connector, the cruciform cross-section extending in a vertical
direction, at least one of the four plate portions configured for
coupling to a beam formed by the beam assembly, the beam assembly
includes: a first beam member with a first end and a second end
that is opposite from the first end; and a second beam member with
a third end and a fourth end that is opposite from the third end;
wherein the first beam member and the second beam member is
coupleable to each other along their lengths so as to be
longitudinally offset with respect to each other; wherein when the
first beam member and the second beam member is coupled to each
other, the first end of the first beam member is offset relative to
the third end of the second beam member by an offset amount, the
first end of the first beam member being configured for placement
in one of four quadrants defined by two of the four plate portions
of the connector; and wherein the first end of the first beam
member has a first hole configured for receiving a fastener to
non-destructively couple the first end of the first beam member to
the connector.
[0007] Optionally, the beam assembly further includes a first metal
plate at the first end of the first beam member, wherein a part of
the first metal plate is located between a part of the first beam
member and a part of the second beam member.
[0008] Optionally, the first metal plate is configured to carry
vertical load and to provide moment resistance.
[0009] Optionally, the first metal plate comprises at least two
openings that are aligned with at least two openings at the first
beam member.
[0010] Optionally, the beam assembly further includes a second
metal plate at the fourth end of the second beam member, wherein a
part of the second metal plate is located between a part of the
first beam member and a part of the second beam member.
[0011] Optionally, the first metal plate and the second metal plate
lie in different respective planes.
[0012] Optionally, the first metal plate has one end that extends
past the third end of the second beam member so that the one end of
the first metal plate is unconfined by the third end of the second
beam member; and the second metal plate has one end that extends
past the second end of the first beam member so that the one end of
the second metal plate is unconfined by the second end of the first
beam member.
[0013] Optionally, the first beam member and the second beam member
is non-destructively coupleable to each other.
[0014] Optionally, the first end of the first beam member has a
first side for facing a first one of the plate portions, and a
second side for facing a second one of the plate portions.
[0015] Optionally, the first side and the second side are
perpendicular to each other.
[0016] Optionally, the first beam member directly abuts against the
second beam member when the first beam member and the second beam
member are coupled to each other.
[0017] Optionally, the beam assembly further includes at least one
spacer plate for spacing the first beam member and the second beam
member a selected distance apart when the first beam member and the
second beam member are coupled to each other.
[0018] Optionally, the first hole has a longitudinal axis that
forms an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the beam
formed by the beam assembly.
[0019] Optionally, the first end of the first beam member has a
second hole with a longitudinal axis that is perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the first hole, the second hole configured for
receiving a portion of another fastener.
[0020] Optionally, the offset amount is longer than a horizontal
length of one of the plate portions.
[0021] Optionally, a horizontal width of the first end of the first
beam member is longer than a horizontal length of one of the plate
portions.
[0022] Optionally, the first end of the first beam member is
configured to conceal two surfaces of the connector when the beam
formed by the first beam member and the second member is coupled to
the connector.
[0023] Optionally, the first beam member and the second member are
configured for installation and removal separately in situ.
[0024] A post-and-beam type structure includes: a connector having
four plate portions forming a cruciform cross-section for the
connector, the cruciform cross-section extending in a vertical
direction, wherein the four plate portions define four quadrants; a
first column configured for detachably coupling to a bottom portion
of the connector; and a first beam with a first end configured for
detachably coupling to a first one of the plate portions; wherein
the first beam comprises a first beam member and a second beam
member that are coupled to each other, and wherein the first end of
the first beam is configured for placement in a first quadrant of
the four quadrants.
[0025] Optionally, the first beam member has a first end and a
second end that is opposite from the first end, and the second beam
member has a third end and a fourth end that is opposite from the
third end; and wherein the first beam further comprises a first
metal plate at the first end of the first beam member, wherein a
part of the first metal plate is located between a part of the
first beam member and a part of the second beam member.
[0026] Optionally, the first metal plate is configured to carry
vertical load and to provide moment resistance.
[0027] Optionally, the first metal plate comprises at least two
openings that are aligned with at least two openings at the first
beam member.
[0028] Optionally, the structure further comprises a second metal
plate at the fourth end of the second beam member, wherein a part
of the second metal plate is located between a part of the first
beam member and a part of the second beam member.
[0029] Optionally, the first metal plate and the second metal plate
lie in different respective planes.
[0030] Optionally, the first metal plate has one end that extends
past the third end of the second beam member so that the one end of
the first metal plate is unconfined by the third end of the second
beam member; and the second metal plate has one end that extends
past the second end of the first beam member so that the one end of
the second metal plate is unconfined by the second end of the first
beam member.
[0031] Optionally, the structure further comprises a second beam
with a second end configured for detachably coupling to a second
one of the plate portions, the second end of the second beam
configured for placement in a second quadrant of the four
quadrants.
[0032] Optionally, the structure further comprises a third beam
with a third end configured for detachably coupling to a third one
of the plate portions, the third end of the third beam configured
for placement in a third quadrant of the four quadrants.
[0033] Optionally, the structure further comprises a fourth beam
with a fourth end configured for detachably coupling to a fourth
one of the plate portions, the fourth end of the fourth beam
configured for placement in a fourth quadrant of the four
quadrants.
[0034] Optionally, the four plate portions provide eight planar
surfaces, and when the first end of the first beam, the second end
of the second beam, the third end of the third beam, and the fourth
end of the fourth beam are coupled to the connector, the eight
planar surfaces are concealed by the first end of the first beam,
the second end of the second beam, the third end of the third beam,
and the fourth end of the fourth beam.
[0035] Optionally, the structure further comprises a second column
configured for detachably coupling to a top portion of the
connector.
[0036] Optionally, the first end of the first beam has a hole for
receiving a fastener, the hole having a longitudinal axis forming
an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the first
beam.
[0037] Optionally, the first one of the plate portions has a first
opening for receiving a first fastener for coupling the first end
of the first beam to the first one of the plate portions, the first
opening having an opening axis forming an acute angle relative to a
surface of the first one of the plate portions, and wherein the
first one of the plate portions has a second opening for receiving
a second fastener for coupling the first column to the connector,
the second opening having an opening axis forming a perpendicular
angle relative to the surface of the first one of the plate
portions.
[0038] Other and further aspects and features will be evident from
reading the following detailed description of the embodiments,
which are intended to illustrate, not limit, the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] The drawings illustrate the design and utility of
embodiments, in which similar elements are referred to by common
reference numerals. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to
scale. In order to better appreciate how the above-recited and
other advantages and objects are obtained, a more particular
description of the embodiments will be rendered, which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict
only typical embodiments and are not therefore to be considered
limiting of its scope.
[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a building system in accordance with some
embodiments;
[0041] FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment of a beam in accordance
with some embodiments;
[0042] FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment of a beam in accordance
with some embodiments;
[0043] FIG. 2C illustrates an embodiment of a beam in accordance
with some embodiments;
[0044] FIGS. 2D-2F illustrate an embodiment of a beam in accordance
with some embodiments;
[0045] FIG. 2G illustrates a beam in accordance with some
embodiments;
[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates components of a connector in accordance
with some embodiments;
[0047] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of the connector
of FIG. 1 in accordance with some embodiments;
[0048] FIG. 5 illustrates another cross sectional view of the
connector of FIG. 1 in accordance with some embodiments;
[0049] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate another connector in accordance
with other embodiments;
[0050] FIG. 7A illustrates a column being detachably coupled to a
beam in accordance with some embodiments;
[0051] FIG. 7B illustrates a truss system being detachably coupled
to a beam in accordance with some embodiments; and
[0052] FIG. 8 illustrates a building structure constructed using a
building system in accordance with some embodiments.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0053] Various embodiments are described hereinafter with reference
to the figures. It should be noted that the figures are not drawn
to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are
represented by like reference numerals throughout the figures. It
should also be noted that the figures are only intended to
facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not
intended as an exhaustive description of the invention or as a
limitation on the scope of the invention. In addition, an
illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages
shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a
particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment
and can be practiced in any other embodiments even if not so
illustrated.
[0054] FIG. 1 illustrates a building system 10 in accordance with
some embodiments. The building system 10 includes a first beam 12a,
a second beam 12b, a third beam 12c, and a fourth beam 12d. The
building system 10 also includes a connector 14 to which the beams
12a-12d are detachably coupled. As shown in the figure, the
building system 10 further includes a first column 16a and a second
column 16b that are configured to detachably couple to the
connector 14. In other embodiments, the system 10 may include
additional beams 12, connectors 14, and columns 16. Also, in other
embodiments, the beams 12, connectors 14, and/or columns 16 may
come with different sizes (e.g., one column 16 may be longer than
another, one beam 12 may be longer and/or deeper than another,
etc.).
[0055] FIG. 2A illustrates a beam 12 in accordance with some
embodiments. The beam 12 may be any of the beams 12a-12d in FIG. 1.
The beam 12 has a longitudinal axis 200, a first end 202, and a
second end 204. The first end 202 is offset from the longitudinal
axis 200 in a first direction 206, and the second end 204 is offset
from the longitudinal axis 200 in a second direction 208 that is
opposite of the first direction 206. In the illustrated
embodiments, the beam 12 is formed using a first beam portion 220
and a second beam portion 222. Each of the portions 220, 222 may be
a timber member, a steel member, or member made from other types of
materials. In other embodiments, each of the portions 220, 222 may
be a composite member. Also, instead of having a rectangular cross
section shown, in other embodiments, each of the beam portions 220,
222 may have other cross sectional shapes, such as a L-shape, an
I-shape, or other shapes.
[0056] As shown in the figure, the first beam portion 220 has the
first end 202, an opposite end (a first opposite end) 224, and a
body 226 extending between the ends 202, 224. Similarly, the second
beam portion 222 has the second end 204, an opposite end (a second
opposite end) 234, and a body 236 extending between the ends 204,
234. Items 202, 224 may be considered the first end 202 and the
second opposite end 224 of the first beam portion 220, and items
234, 204 may be considered the third end 234 and the fourth
opposite end 204 of the second beam portion 222. The first beam
portion 220 and the second beam portion 222 are offset relative to
each other in a direction of the longitudinal axis 200, so that the
first end 202 of the first beam portion 220 extends past the second
opposite end 234 of the second beam portion 222, and the second end
204 of the second beam portion 222 extends past the first opposite
end 224 of the first beam portion 220.
[0057] Also, as shown in the illustrated embodiments, the beam 12
includes a plate 250 sandwiched between the first and second beam
portions 220, 222. The plate 250 may be a plywood, a metal (e.g.,
steel, aluminum) plate, or otherwise made from a composite
material. In other embodiments, instead of having a plate 250 that
extends along the majority of the length of the beam 12, the beam
12 may include a plurality of plates 250 that are placed along the
length of the beam 12 to provide various spacing.
[0058] In the illustrated embodiments, the first beam portion 220,
the plate 250, and the second beam portion 222 are detachably
coupled to each other using fasteners 252, which may be screws or
bolts. In other embodiments, the first beam portion 220, the plate
250, and the second beam portion 222 may be non-detachably secured
to each other (i.e., secured in a relatively more permanent manner
so that separation of the components would require at least some
destruction to occur), such as by using nails and/or adhesive.
Also, in other embodiments, instead of having two rows of fasteners
252, the beam 12 may include one row of fasteners 252, or more than
two rows of fasteners 252.
[0059] Forming the beam 12 using two beam portions 220, 222 is
advantageous because it allows the two beam portions 220, 222 to be
individually detached from the rest of the building as one
technique of removing the beam 12 from the rest of the building. In
another technique, the beam 12 may be removed from the rest of the
building without taking apart the two beam portions 220, 222
relative to each other.
[0060] In other embodiments, the beam 12 may not include a plate
between the two beam portions 220, 222 (FIG. 2B). Instead, the beam
portions 220, 222 may be directly secured to each other. Also, in
further embodiments, instead of forming the beam 12 using the two
beam portions 220, 222, the beam 12 may be formed using a single
member with parts of the ends removed to form the offset
configuration shown at each of the ends 202, 204 of the beam 12
(FIG. 2C).
[0061] In other embodiments, the beam 12 may include two plates
between the two beam portions 220, 222 (FIGS. 2D-2F). As shown in
FIG. 2D, the beam (beam assembly) 12 includes a first beam portion
220 and a second beam portion 222. The first beam portion 220 has a
first end 202 (which is the first end 202 of the beam 12 when the
first beam portion 220 and the second beam portion 222 are
assembled), a second opposite end 224, and a body 226 extending
between the ends 202, 224. The second beam portion 222 has a third
end 234, a fourth opposite end 204 (which is the second end 204 of
the beam 12 when the first beam portion 220 and the second beam
portion 222 are assembled), and a body 236 extending between the
ends 234, 204. The first beam portion 220 and the second beam
portion 222 are offset relative to each other in a direction of the
longitudinal axis 200, so that the first end 202 of the first beam
portion 220 extends past the third end 234 of the second beam
portion 222, and the fourth end 204 of the second beam portion 222
extends past the second end 224 of the first beam portion 220.
[0062] Each of the portions 220, 222 may be a timber member, a
steel member, or member made from other types of materials. In
other embodiments, each of the portions 220, 222 may be a composite
member. In the illustrated embodiments, each of the beam portions
220, 222 has a rectangular cross section. In other embodiments,
each of the beam portions 220, 222 may have other cross sectional
shapes, such as a L-shape, an I-shape, or other shapes.
[0063] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2D-2F, the beam assembly
12 includes a first metal plate 260 at the first end 202 of the
first beam portion 220, and a second metal plate 262 at the fourth
end 204 of the second beam portion 222. The metal plates 260, 262
may be made from any metal or combination of metals (alloy). In one
implementation, the metal plates 260, 262 are steel plates. A part
of the first metal plate 260 is located between a part of the first
beam portion 220 and a part of the second beam portion 222 when the
first beam portion 220 and the second beam portion 222 are
assembled together. Similarly, a part of the second metal plate 262
is located between a part of the first beam portion 220 and a part
of the second beam portion 222 when the first beam portion 220 and
the second beam portion 222 are assembled together. Also, in the
illustrated embodiments, the first metal plate 260 has one end 270
that extends past the third end 234 of the second beam portion 222
so that the end 270 of the first metal plate 260 is unconfined by
the third end 234 of the second beam portion 222. Also, the second
metal plate 262 has one end 272 that extends past the second end
224 of the first beam member 220 so that the end 272 of the second
metal plate 262 is unconfined by the second end 224 of the first
beam portion 220.
[0064] In the illustrated embodiments, the first metal plate 260 is
secured to the first beam portion 220 and the second beam portion
222 by a plurality of screws 280 that penetrate into the second
beam portion 222, through holes in the first metal plate 260, and
into the first beam portion 220. Similarly, the second metal plate
262 is secured to the first beam portion 220 and the second beam
portion 222 by a plurality of screws 280 that penetrate into the
second beam portion 222, through holes in the second metal plate
262, and into the first beam portion 220. In other embodiments, the
metal plates 260, 262 may be secured to the first and second beam
portions 220, 222 using other securing mechanisms, such as bolts,
clips, anchors, which may be configured to allow the first beam
portion 220 and the second beam portion 222 to be non-destructively
decoupled from each other after they are assembled together (like
that shown by the dashed arrows in FIG. 2D). Although four screws
280 are shown (see FIG. 2E) for attaching each of the metal plates
260, 262, in other embodiments, there may be fewer than four screws
280, or more than four screws 280, for attaching each of the metal
plates 260, 262 to the beam portions 220, 222.
[0065] Also, as shown in FIG. 2E, the portion 272 of the metal
plate 262 that is exposed and is extended beyond the end 224 of the
first beam portion 220 has three sides that correspond with the
three sides at the end 204 of the second beam portion 222. The
three sides of the metal plate 262 may align with the three sides
at the end 204 of the beam portion 222. In other embodiments, the
metal plate 262 may be slightly smaller than the boundary at the
end 204 so that the three sides of the metal plate 262 is within
the boundary at the end 204 of the second beam portion 222. In
further embodiments, the metal plate 262 may be slightly larger
than the boundary at the end 204 so that the three sides of the
metal plate 262 is outside the boundary at the end 204 of the
second beam portion 222. The above features described with
reference to the second metal plate 262 at the end 204 may
similarly be applicable for the first metal plate 260 at the end
202.
[0066] In the illustrated embodiments, the first metal plate 260
and the second metal plate 262 lie in different respective planes
(i.e., they are offset relative to each other in a lateral
direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the
beam 12). Such configuration allows the first metal plate 260 to be
placed on one side of a column line (defined by two columns to
which the beam 12 is attached), and the second metal plate 262 to
be laced on the other side of the column line, when the beam 12 is
attached to the two columns that define the column line.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 2E, the second metal plate 262 comprises
two openings 290 that are aligned with two corresponding openings
at the second beam member 222. Similarly, the first metal plate 260
also comprises two openings (not shown) that are aligned with two
corresponding openings at the first beam member 220. Each opening
290 has an opening axis 292 that forms an acute angle relative to
the longitudinal axis 200 of the beam 12 (see FIGS. 2D-2F). Also,
each opening 290 is configured to receive a corresponding fastener
204 for securing the beam 12 to the connector 14. The acute angle
may be any value that is between 30.degree. and 80.degree., and
more preferably between 45.degree. and 75.degree. (such as
60.degree.). As shown in FIG. 2F, the skewed openings 290 at the
beam 12 allow the fasteners 402 to be installed at an acute angle.
Such configuration is advantageous because when all four beams 12
are installed around the connector 14, their respective fasteners
402 are exposed and are accessible so that any of the four beams 12
around the connector 14 may be selectively removed in a
non-destructive manner when desired.
[0068] In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 2D-2F, the metal
plate 260 and the metal plate 262 are configured (e.g., having
sufficient size, such as plate width and depth, and adequate
detailing, such as edge-to-opening distances and opening-to-opening
distance) to carry shear load, as well as to provide moment
resistance. Such configuration is advantageous because it allows
the beam 12 to carry vertical load, and to form a moment frame with
the columns attached thereto for resisting wind and seismic load.
In some embodiments, the metal plates 260, 262 may be detachably
coupled to respective connectors 14 at each of the two ends of the
beam 12. Each connector 14 may be the connector 14 described with
reference to FIG. 1. Alternatively, one or both of the connectors
14 that are attached to the beam 12 may be a roof connector 14,
which will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6A-6B.
The roof connector 14 is the same as the connector 14 of FIG. 1,
except that the top has been truncated because there is no need to
attach a top column to the connector 14.
[0069] In some embodiments, the beam 12 may optionally have a slot
296 for receiving a connector 298. The connector 298 is similar to
the connector 14 described with reference to FIG. 1, except that
the connector 298 has a plate portion 299 extending downward for
insertion into the slot 296 at the beam 12. The beam 12 may also
optionally have one or more fastener openings (not shown) for
receiving fastener(s) to secure the connector 298 to the beam 12.
The fastener openings may be located at the side of the beam 12 and
extend partially or completely through the beam 12.
[0070] FIG. 2G illustrates a beam assembly 12 in accordance with
some embodiments. The beam assembly 12 may be any of the beams
described herein, such as those described with reference to FIGS.
2A-2F. As shown in FIG. 2G, the beam 12 may include a number of
slots 274 pre-positioned along the top of beam 12 and between the
beam portions 220 and 222 for receiving and attaching roof panel
connectors (not shown). The beam 12 may also optionally have one or
more fastener openings for receiving fastener(s) to secure the roof
panel connectors (not shown) to the beam 12. The fastener openings
may be located at the side of the beam 12 and extend partially or
completely through the beam 12. FIG. 2G also illustrates
pre-positioned openings 276 through the beam 12 to allow for
passage of utilities through the beam 12
[0071] FIG. 3 illustrates components of the connector 14 of FIG. 1
in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1, the
connector 14 has a cross shape cross section. In some embodiments,
the connector 14 may be formed from a first plate 300 and a second
plate 302 (FIG. 3). The first plate 300 includes a slot 310
extending from a side 312 of the first plate 300, a first plate
portion 314 on one side of the slot 310, and a second plate portion
316 on the other side of the slot 310. Similarly, the second plate
302 includes a slot 320 extending from a side 322 of the second
plate 322, a first plate portion 324 on one side of the slot 320,
and a second plate portion 326 on the other side of the slot 320.
In the illustrated embodiments, the first plate 300 and the second
plate 302 are secured to each other using the slots 310, 320, and
the securing is achieved without using any weld or fasteners.
[0072] In other embodiments, the first and second plates 300, 302
may be secured to each other using weld and/or fasteners. Also, in
other embodiments, either one or both of the plates 300, 302 may be
formed using two plate elements. For example, the first plate 300
and the second plate 302 may not include the slots 310, 320, and
the second plate 302 may include two separate plate elements that
are secured (e.g., by weld) to opposite surfaces of the first plate
300.
[0073] Also, as shown in the figure, the first plate portion 314 at
the connector 14 has openings 420a, 420b configured (e.g., sized
and/or shaped) for allowing the first beam 12a to be detachably
coupled thereto, and the second plate portion 316 has openings
420c, 420d configured for allowing the second beam 12b to be
detachably coupled thereto. Similarly, the first plate portion 324
at the connector 14 has openings 420e, 420f configured for allowing
the third beam 12c to be detachably coupled thereto, and the second
plate portion 326 has openings 420g, 420h configured for allowing
the fourth beam 12d to be detachably coupled thereto.
[0074] In the illustrated embodiments, the first beam 12a is
detachably coupled to the first plate portion 314 of the first
plate 300, the second beam 12b is detachably coupled to the second
plate portion 316 of the first plate 300, the third beam 12c is
detachably coupled to the first plate portion 324 of the second
plate 322, and the fourth beam 12d is detachably coupled to the
second plate portion 326 of the second plate 322. Also, the first
column 16a is detachably coupled to a bottom of the connector 14,
and the second column 16b is detachably coupled to a top of the
connector 14.
[0075] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the first end 202 of the beam 12a
has two openings 400a, 400b for accommodating respective fasteners
402a, 402b. The fasteners 402a, 402b are for detachably coupling
the beam 12a to the connector 14. The system 10 also includes
additional fasteners 402 (not shown) for detachably coupling the
beams 12c-12d to the connector 14 in a similar manner as that of
beam 12a. The fasteners 402a, 402b may be bolts, screws, or other
types of connection devices. Each of the openings 400a, 400b has an
axis 410 extending therethrough, wherein the axis 410 forms an
acute angle 412 with the longitudinal axis 200 of the beam 12a. The
acute angle 412 may be any value that is between 30.degree. and
80.degree., and more preferably between 45.degree. and 75.degree.
(such as 60.degree.). Each of the openings 420a, 420b at the first
plate portion 314 has an axis 422 extending therethrough, wherein
the axis 422 forms an acute angle 424 (which has the same value as
the acute angle 412) with the first plate portion 314. The other
plate portions 316, 324, 326 have openings 324 with similar
configuration as that of the openings 324 at the first plate
portion 314.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 4, the openings 420a, 420b at the connector
14 correspond with the respective openings 400a, 400b at the beam
12a, so that the fasteners 402a, 402b can extend through the
respective openings 400a, 400b at the beam 12a to reach the
respective openings 420a, 420b at the connector 14. Each fastener
402 may have threads at the distal end for mating with threads at
the opening 420 at any of the plate portions 314, 316, 324, 326.
The skewed openings 420a, 420b at the connector 14 and the skewed
openings 400a, 400b at the beam 12a allows the fasteners 402a, 402b
to be installed at an acute angle. Such configuration is
advantageous because when all four beams 12a-12d are installed,
their respective fasteners are exposed and are accessible so that
any of the beams 12a-12d may be selectively removed in a
non-destructive manner when desired.
[0077] As shown in the figure, each opening 400 is countersunk so
that the fastener 402 does not protrude above the surface of the
beam 12. In other embodiments, each opening 400 may not be
countersunk, and the fastener 402 may protrude above the surface of
the beam 12.
[0078] Although the end 202 of beam 12a is illustrated as having
two openings 400 for accommodating two fasteners 402, in other
embodiments, the end of the beam 12 may have only one opening 400
for accommodating one fastener 402, or more than two openings 400
for accommodating more than two fasteners 402.
[0079] It should be noted that the beams 12b-12d are coupled to the
respective plate portions at the connector 14 in the same manner as
the beam 12a discussed herein. Also, any of the beams 12b-12d may
have the same configuration as any of the embodiments of beam 12a
described herein.
[0080] Returning back to FIG. 1, the column 16a includes an opening
500 at one end 502 of the column 16a, wherein the opening 500 has a
size and shape that correspond with the cross sectional shape of
the connector 14. The column 16a also includes openings 504a-504d
for accommodating fasteners 510a-510d, respectively. During use,
the lower end of the connector 14 may be placed inside the opening
500, and the fasteners 510a-510d may be used to detachably couple
the column 16a to the connector 14. The connector 14 has openings
360a-360d (FIG. 3) for receiving the respective fasteners 510a-510d
that have been inserted through the respective openings 504a-504d
at the column 16a. FIG. 5 illustrates a cross section of the
connector 14 at the location where the column 16a is coupled to the
connector 14. As shown in the figure, each fastener 510 extends
through the column 16a from one side and exits at another side. A
nut is placed at the exit end of the fastener 510 to anchor the
fastener 510 so that the fastener 510 is prevented from sliding off
the column 16a. In some embodiments, each fastener 510 may be a
bolt, a screw, or another type of connection device.
[0081] As shown in the figure, each opening 504 at the column 16 is
countersunk so that the fastener 510 does not protrude above the
surface of the column 16. In other embodiments, each opening 504
may not be countersunk, and the fastener 510 may protrude above the
surface of the column 16.
[0082] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 3, the connector 14 also
includes four openings 360e-360h at the top end of the connector 14
for allowing the top column 16b to detachably couple to the
connector 14 in a similar manner as that of column 16a.
[0083] In the illustrated embodiments of FIG. 3, the openings
420a-420h at the middle portion of the connector 14 for connection
to the beams 12a-12d have the same spacing 480 (e.g., 3/4 inch)
from the side edge of the connector 14. Such configuration is
advantageous because it allows any of the beams 12a-12d to
interchangeably be coupled to different sides of the connector 14.
In other embodiments, the spacing may be different from the example
shown. For example, in other embodiments, the spacing may be more
than 3/4 inch or less than 3/4 in.
[0084] Also, the openings 360a-360d at the bottom end of the
connector 14 for connection to the column 16a, and the openings
360e-360h at the top end of the connector 14 for connection to the
column 16b, have the same spacing 482 (e.g., 2 inches) from the
side edge of the connector 14. Thus, the spacing 482 for the column
attachment is different from the spacing 480 for the beam
attachment. Such configuration is advantageous because it will
prevent any of the beams 12 from being accidentally installed at
the bottom end or the top end of the connector 14. In other
embodiments, the spacing 482 may be the same as the spacing 480.
Also, in other embodiments, the spacing 482 may be less than 2
inches or more than 2 inches.
[0085] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the openings 360a,
360b at the first plate 300 are located at different elevation from
the openings 360c, 360d at the second plate 302. Also, the first
plate 300 does not have any openings that are at the same elevation
as the openings 360c, 360d at the second plate 302, and the second
plate 302 does not have any openings that are at the same elevation
as the openings 360a, 360b at the first plate 300. Such
configuration is advantageous because it allows the two fasteners
510a, 510b to couple the column 16 to the connector 14 without
interfering with the fasteners 510c, 510d. Such configuration is
also advantageous in that it reduces the number of openings at the
column 16 that are required to be made (i.e., when compared to the
configuration that has eight openings with four openings at the
elevation of opening 360a, and the other four openings at the
elevation of opening 360c) in order to secure the column 16 to the
connector 14. This in turn prevents the column 16 strength from
being weakened too much due to high number of openings made at the
column 16.
[0086] It should be noted that the configuration of the connector
14 is not limited to the example shown, and that the connector 14
may have different configurations in different embodiments. For
example, in other embodiments, the number of openings 420 for
connection to a beam 12 at each side of the connector 14 may be
less than two (e.g., one), or more than two. Also, in other
embodiments, the number of openings 360 for connection to a column
16 at each side of the connector 14 may be more than one. In
addition, in other embodiments, the spacing for the opening(s) 420
from the side edge of the connector 14 may be the same as that for
the opening(s) 360 from the side edge of the connector 14. In
further embodiments, the slot 310 at the first plate 300 may be
extended from the top edge 313 (instead of the bottom edge 312),
and the slot 320 at the second plate 322 may be extended from the
bottom edge 323 (instead of the top edge 322). In still further
embodiments, the lengths of the slots 310, 320 may be
different.
[0087] In the above embodiments, the connector 14 is configured to
allow two columns 16 to be detachably coupled to the top and bottom
ends of the connector 14. In other embodiments, the connector 14
may be configured to allow one column 16 to be detachably coupled
to the bottom end of the connector 14. In such cases, the connector
14 may not include the top portion that is for detachably coupling
to the column 16b. FIG. 6A shows the connector 14 that is the same
as the embodiments of FIG. 1, except that the connector 14 does not
have any part for allowing a top column 16 to be detachably coupled
thereto. As shown in the illustrated embodiments, the connector 14
has a cross shape cross section, with four plate portions 314, 316,
324, 326. The four plate portions 314, 316, 324, 326 allow up to
four beams 12 to be detachably coupled thereto. However, in other
embodiments, there may be one, two, or three beams 12 connected to
the connector 14. FIG. 6B illustrates components of the connector
14 of FIG. 6A. The embodiment of the connector 14 of FIG. 6 may be
used to connect beams 12 at the roof level, or at other location
where there is no top column 16.
[0088] As discussed, in some embodiments, the beam 12 may include
one or more plates 250 between beam portions 202, 204 (FIG. 2A). In
some cases, the plates 250 may be spaced along the length of the
beam 12 so that they define one or more spacing 251 between them
(FIG. 7A). Such configuration allows another building component 700
to be inserted into the spacing 251 between the adjacent plates 250
that are sandwiched between beam portions 202, 204. In the
illustrated embodiments, the component 700 is a connector plate for
connecting a column 702 to a part of the beam 12 that is away from
the ends of the beam 12. In other embodiments, the spacing 251
between the beam portions 202, 204 may optionally allow truss
connectors 710a, 710b to be inserted therethrough, wherein each of
the truss connectors 710a, 710b is coupled to a column 16 at one
end, and to a truss member 712a/712b at the other end (FIG. 7B). In
further embodiments, the spacing 251 between the beam portions 202,
204 may allow other building component(s) (e.g., structural
member(s), or architectural member(s) such as a panel, a window, a
door, a flooring, etc.), to be coupled to the beam 12.
[0089] FIG. 8 illustrates a building structure 800 that is
constructed using the building system 10 of FIG. 1 in accordance
with some embodiments. As shown in the figure, the beams 12,
columns 16, and connectors 14 are used to construct the frame for
the building structure 800. The building system 10 further includes
foundation 802, and foundation posts 803. Each foundation 802 may
include a concrete footing with a metal connector for allowing the
foundation post 803 to detachably couple thereto. Each foundation
post 803 includes a top end for detachably couple to a bottom end
of the connector 14.
[0090] As shown in the illustrated embodiments, the building
structure 800 further includes roof panels 804, window frame(s)
810, and wall panel(s) 820. The wall panel 820 is illustrated as
having two large window openings. In other embodiments, the wall
panel 820 may have one window opening, or no window opening. Also,
in further embodiments, the wall panel 820 may be secured to the
outside face of the beams 12 and columns 16 so that the wall panel
820 may be used to completely cover up the framing formed by the
beams 12 and columns 16. The roof panels 804 are configured to
detachably couple to the beams 12 of the building structure 800.
Also, the window frame(s) 810 and the wall panel(s) 820 are
configured to detachably couple to the frame formed by the beams 12
and columns 16 of the building structure 800. In further
embodiments, the building system 10 may further includes other
building components (such as interior wall panels, floor panels,
ceiling panels, etc.) that are configured to detachably couple to
the framing formed by the beams 12 and columns 16. The detachably
coupling of the components (e.g., components 802, 803, 804, 810,
820, interior wall panels, floor panels, ceiling panels, etc.) to
the building structure 800 may be accomplished using fasteners,
such as screws, bolts, clips, or other types of connection
devices.
[0091] As illustrated in the above embodiments, the building system
10 is advantageous because it allows the building structure 800 to
be designed and constructed efficiently and cost effectively.
Because the building structure 800 can be assembled easily using
the building system 10, the design and construction of the building
structure 800 may not require multiple professionals to get
involved, and an owner of the building may design and construct the
building structure 800 himself/herself. Also, the building system
10 is advantageous because it allows any of the components (e.g.,
beam(s) 12, connector(s) 14, column(s) 16, post(s) 803, panel(s)
804, window frame(s) 810, wall panel(s) 820, interior wall
panel(s), floor panel(s), ceiling panel(s), etc.) of the building
to be conveniently removed in a non-destructive manner from the
rest of the building when desired. If example, if a user of the
system 10 wishes to change the configuration of the building, the
user may selectively remove some of the components from the
building, and re-use at least some of the components to form a
different configuration for the building 800. Also, in some cases,
the entire building 800 made from the building system 10 may be
disassembled at one location, and be re-assembled in a different
location. Furthermore, if a user of the building system 10 wishes
to expand a building (such as adding a room 830, as represented by
the dashed line in the figure), the user may obtain additional
components (e.g., beam(s), connector(s) 14, column(s) 16, etc.),
and add those to the already formed building 800. Thus, embodiments
of the building system 10 allow scalability of the building to be
accomplished in a cost effective and efficient manner. In other
cases, the building 800 formed using the building system 10 may
also be scaled down (downsized) by removing some of the components
in a non-destructive manner.
[0092] Also, as illustrated in the above embodiments, the building
system 10 is advantageous because it allows an owner of the
building to selectively change the configuration at any time (e.g.,
before, during, and/or after the construction of the building).
Because the owner can himself/herself decide how the configuration
of the building is to be changed, purchase the building components,
and assemble the building components himself/herself, the changing
of the configuration of the building does not require multiple
professionals to get involved. This in turn, allows the
configuration of the building to be changed in a cost effective and
efficient manner.
[0093] It should be noted that the various dimensions shown in some
of the figures are exemplary dimensions, and that in other
embodiments, the components may have different sizes from that
illustrated in the figures.
[0094] Also, it should be noted that the term "first" (as in "first
plate portion", "first beam", "first opening", for examples), and
the term "second" (as in "second plate portion", "second beam",
"second opening", for examples), are used to refer to different
things, and do not necessarily refer to the order of things.
[0095] Although particular embodiments have been shown and
described, it will be understood that they are not intended to
limit the present inventions, and it will be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be
made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
inventions. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be
regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The
present inventions are intended to cover alternatives,
modifications, and equivalents, which may be included within the
spirit and scope of the present inventions as defined by the
claims.
* * * * *